Kick off 2026 with an inside look at what’s next for North Texas healthcare. Join us Tuesday, January 20 at Forvis Mazars in Dallas (in-person & live streamed) as Steve Love, CEO of the DFW Hospital Council, moderates a powerhouse panel: Fred Cerise, MD, MPH (President/CEO, Parkland Health & Hospital System), Rick Merrill (President/CEO, Cook Children’s, Fort Worth), and Jim Scoggin (CEO, Methodist Health System, Dallas).
You’ll hear their candid predictions for 2026—workforce, reimbursement, technology, AI, pediatrics, safety-net care, system growth—and then watch them “gaze into the crystal ball” to forecast what North Texas healthcare could look like by 2050. Expect actionable insights you can apply this quarter and strategic takeaways to guide long-range planning.
Seats are limited. Reserve your spot—or grab the livestream ticket—so your team is ready for what’s coming next.
WHEN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
Doors Open: 3:30 PM
Program: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Reception: 5:30 – 7:00 PM
(All times US Central Time)
LOCATION
Forvis Mazars
International Plaza II
First Floor Conference Room
14221 Dallas Pkwy
Dallas, TX 75254
OR
Via Zoom
Click Here to Listen to the Audio from this Conference
Meeting summary
Quick recap
The meeting began with discussions about healthcare trends and challenges, including the impact of the “big beautiful bill” on Medicaid funding in Texas and the future of healthcare over the next 12 months. The panelists explored various aspects of healthcare delivery, including the role of artificial intelligence in diagnostics and patient management, as well as the expansion of services in underserved communities. The conversation ended with discussions on healthcare models in North Texas and the challenges facing the 340B drug discount program, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and planning to address industry changes.
Next steps
Next steps were not generated due to insufficient transcript.
Summary
Healthcare Trends and Collaboration Insights
The meeting began with Austin expressing gratitude for the successful event and discussing plans for the next year’s program, focusing on healthcare at home and hospital at home. Chris Clark, managing partner of Mazars, introduced the panelists and emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare leaders. The panelists, including Jim Scoggin, Rick Merrill, and Fred, shared their perspectives on the future of healthcare over the next 12 months, highlighting trends and challenges in the industry. Audience questions were encouraged, and the conversation ended with plans for a follow-up event in February.
Texas Medicaid Funding Challenges
The meeting focused on the impact of the “big beautiful bill” on healthcare, particularly Medicaid funding in Texas. Austin explained that the bill capped provider tax funding, leading to potential millions in lost revenue for health systems. He also discussed upcoming changes to Medicaid work requirements and Medicare sequestration, which were delayed. Rick highlighted the importance of Medicaid funding for children’s hospitals, noting that cuts could significantly impact patient care. Both speakers expressed concern about future Medicaid cuts and emphasized the need for continued advocacy and planning to address these challenges.
Texas Healthcare Challenges and AI
Austin discussed the challenges of healthcare in Texas, highlighting the high uninsured rate and the state’s reliance on Medicaid, which funds both the traditional Medicaid population and a significant portion of the uninsured. He noted that Texas avoids some of the consequences of federal Medicaid cuts by not expanding the program, but still faces uncertainties. Austin also touched on the impact of the expiration of enhanced subsidies for insurance purchases, predicting a shift towards bronze plans with high deductibles, which could lead to unfunded care. Finally, he explored the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of governance, aligning with large, high-quality companies, and maintaining a personal touch in patient care.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Healthcare
Austin discussed the impact of AI on healthcare, highlighting its potential in diagnostic tools, predictive analytics, and patient management systems. He emphasized that AI could revolutionize drug discovery, particularly in the pediatric arena, by enabling adaptive research and reducing costs. Austin also touched on AI’s role in improving access to care through telemedicine, wearables, and remote monitoring, as well as streamlining administrative tasks. He acknowledged challenges such as bias and regulatory hurdles but expressed optimism about AI’s ability to enhance healthcare delivery and save lives.
Methodist’s Southern Dallas Health Initiatives
Austin discussed Methodist Health System’s efforts in the southern sector of Dallas, highlighting their mission to serve underserved communities. He explained their $20 million investment in expanding services beyond their facilities, including opening clinics, funding medical training programs, and addressing food deserts. Austin emphasized the importance of rural hospitals and shared a personal story about a patient who was saved by a rural hospital before being transferred for further care. He also noted that Methodist has invested heavily in their two hospitals south of I-30, with plans for further capital expenditure.
Healthcare Trends in North Texas
The meeting focused on healthcare trends and strategies for the future, particularly in North Texas. Austin discussed demographic changes, workforce challenges, and the need to adapt care models. He emphasized the importance of “SureBet, no-regret strategies” and highlighted Cook Children’s efforts to address childhood asthma through a pilot program. Fred spoke about Parkland’s population-based approach to healthcare and their use of the 340B program to provide discounted drugs to low-income patients. The discussion concluded with a focus on the different models of care between Cook Children’s and Parkland, highlighting their unique positions in the healthcare landscape.
340B Program Expansion and Challenges
The meeting focused on the expansion and challenges of the 340B drug discount program, with Austin explaining how the program has grown nationwide but is now under scrutiny from Congress due to concerns about proper discount usage. He detailed how HRSA is proposing to shift from a discount to a rebate program, which would significantly increase costs for safety net providers like Markland. The panelists also discussed AI’s role in healthcare, including its potential to improve early screening for diseases and its variable adoption among clinical and non-clinical staff. The conversation ended with a discussion on operational changes to improve access to care, including the expansion of neighborhood clinics and virtual care services, as well as the need for increased capacity without significant capital investment.
